The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), is offering a paid remote internship for students and recent graduates interested in international development, finance, and global partnerships. This opportunity allows aspiring professionals to gain hands-on experience with one of the UN’s key financing institutions working to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Below is a full overview of the internship, responsibilities, eligibility requirements, and why this opportunity is valuable for anyone seeking a career in international organizations.
Paid UNDP Internship 2026 – Work Remotely with UNCDF
Job Details
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Organization: United Nations Development Programme / United Nations Capital Development Fund
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Job Identification: 32154
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Position Type: Internship Programme
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Location: Home-Based (Remote)
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Contract Duration: 6 Months
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Schedule: Full-time
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Posting Date: February 25, 2026
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Application Deadline: March 12, 2026
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Language Requirement: English (knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage)
This internship provides an excellent entry point into the United Nations system, particularly for individuals interested in development finance, partnerships, and global policy processes.
About UNCDF
The United Nations Capital Development Fund was established by the UN General Assembly to support developing countries—especially the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs)—in building stronger economies.
UNCDF works by mobilizing and catalyzing capital for development through innovative financial tools such as:
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Grants
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Loans
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Guarantees
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Blended finance solutions
These mechanisms help unlock public and private investment aimed at addressing major global challenges while advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The organization focuses on three major priority areas:
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SME Finance – Supporting small and medium enterprises to grow and create jobs.
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Sub-National Finance – Helping local governments finance infrastructure and services.
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Digital Finance – Expanding financial inclusion through digital innovation.
UNCDF operates globally with hubs in Dakar, Nairobi, and Bangkok, and works with governments, financial institutions, development partners, and private sector actors.
About the Strategic Funds Unit (SFU)
The internship sits within UNCDF’s Strategic Funds Unit, which plays a key role in designing and managing blended finance initiatives that mobilize capital for sustainable development.
The unit helps:
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Develop and manage multi-partner trust funds
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Support strategic partnerships across UN agencies and financial institutions
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Oversee governance and operational management of funds
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Coordinate proposals, reporting, and investment pipelines
Through this work, UNCDF is able to scale up financing solutions that address climate change, biodiversity protection, sustainable oceans, and inclusive economic growth.
Internship Responsibilities
Under the supervision of UNCDF’s Strategic Engagement & Partnerships Specialist, the intern will support multiple initiatives related to partnerships, research, and resource mobilization.
1. Strategic Engagement and Coordination
The intern will:
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Assist in coordinating strategic partnership activities
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Track progress on resource mobilization targets
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Conduct research on UN institutional processes and decision-making bodies
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Analyze multilateral negotiations related to ocean governance and global finance
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Maintain partner databases and stakeholder outreach records
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Support preparation of donor briefings and technical materials
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Help organize missions, meetings, and international events
This work offers interns a direct view into how international initiatives move through the United Nations system and how global partnerships are built.
2. Research and Initiative Development
Interns will also contribute to analytical and policy work by:
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Researching global financing mechanisms and governance structures
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Mapping organizations working on climate finance, ocean governance, and sustainable development
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Preparing policy briefs and background documents
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Tracking funding opportunities and policy developments
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Maintaining internal databases and project trackers
This research plays an important role in shaping UNCDF’s future initiatives and investment strategies.
Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate:
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Strong written and verbal communication skills
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Excellent planning and organizational ability
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Proactive problem-solving mindset
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Ability to simplify complex concepts into clear messages or visuals
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Capacity to work effectively in multicultural environments
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Strong interest in global development and finance
These competencies are essential for working within international organizations and multilateral institutions.
Education Requirements
Applicants should be studying or have recently completed a degree in fields such as:
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International Relations
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International Law
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Economics
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Economic Development
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Public Administration
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Business Administration
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Public Policy
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Or another related discipline
Candidates must meet one of the following eligibility conditions:
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Currently enrolled in a Master’s programme or postgraduate degree
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In the final year of a Bachelor’s degree
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Recently graduated and able to start within one year of graduation
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Enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme
Language Requirements
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Fluency in English is required
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Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage
Multilingual candidates often have an advantage when applying for UN opportunities.
Internship Conditions
Since this is a remote internship, selected interns must provide:
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Their own computer and workspace
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Reliable internet connection
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Availability to join virtual meetings across time zones
Other conditions include:
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Proof of health insurance
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Interns are not considered UN staff members
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Interns cannot officially represent UNCDF
However, interns may receive a monthly stipend to help cover daily expenses related to the internship.